Hitting the road during the holidays can be stressful for several reasons. The cost of a long car trip keeps rising with the cost of gas. Not to mention,  traffic can be a nightmare as you sit idle on the freeway with everyone else trying to make it to their holiday dinner, Grandma’s house and New Year celebrations. Here are some tips for making your car trip less costly and more joyful!

* Keep your distance! Tailgating causes you to slam on your breaks and waste gas. Patience is more than a virture, it’s a money saver!

* Don’t speed. Speeding increases your fuel consumption, relax and drive the speed limit instead.

* Take off the heavy load (if you can). Remove anything that’s weighing your car down. Check out our previous blog post Clear Car Clutter: Tuesday Ten Minute Toss Challenge to get yourself motivated and going!

* Check your tires before embarking on any long drives. Tire pressure is important for a safe and efficient trip!

* Plan your departure time. Try to avoid traffic, the less time you spend idling your engine in traffic the better! You’ll also feel more relaxed during your drive if you aren’t stuck on the freeway and worried about time.

* Bring healthy snacks and water – save money and time (and your health!) by not having to stop at convenience stores or fast food restaurants. Pack snacks that will keep for the length of your trip, or put them in an an insulated tote with an ice pack to keep your food safe until you’re ready to enjoy.

*Make sure your car is stocked with an emergency kit and that you have weather appropriate gear/supplies, just in case. Going over a mountain pass and need to have chains? Having what you need for the conditions you’ll drive through can make the difference between reaching your destination in a timely manner and having to call (and pay for) a tow-truck or getting stuck for the foreseeable future.

We wish you happy holidays and safe travels!